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Preparation for a job interview
Plan
What is a job interview?
Steps of the interview process
Background knowledge
Common interview questions
The day of the interview
What is a job interview?
A job interview is a meeting between a job candidate and an interviewer, who is typically a manager, human resources personnel, another representative of the employer or the employer. This meeting is held to help assess whether the applicant is the right person for the role.
The employer uses a job interview to find out what you can do for the company in terms of your qualifications and the potential contributions you can provide. An interview also allows you to determine whether this is an environment in which you can thrive and you want to enter. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, via email or using video conferencing applications, and it's common to attend two to three rounds of interviews before a final hiring decision is made.
Steps of the interview process
Interview processes can vary depending on the company's practices and protocol, but most interviews generally follow the same format, consisting of the following steps:
1.Screening
2.First interview
3.Second interview
4.Third interview
5.The decision
1. Screening
Many employers conduct a preliminary interview to determine whether you're a viable candidate for the job. The screening can be conducted over the phone or in-person and typically lasts fifteen to twenty minutes. This conversation serves to curate the list of candidates to be called for official first interviews.
2. First interview
Typically, the first interview is the first face-to-face meeting with your potential employer. Their goal is to get to know you and assess your skills and experience in relation to their needs for this particular role. They're also looking to get to know you to determine if you will fit in with the company's culture. The following stages typically make up the first interview:
Introduction
The first few minutes consist of meeting the interviewer and getting settled into the interview space. This is also their first impression of you, so it's important to make it a positive one by using good posture, eye contact and a firm handshake. The interviewer generally takes the first several minutes of the interview to tell you about their organization.
Interview questions
The main part of the interview consists of the employer asking you questions and listening to your responses, sometimes taking notes for later reference. Most of the time, this part lasts around 20 minutes.
Your questions
When the interviewer invites you to ask questions, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, expertise and the extent of research you've done on this company. Arrive prepared with three to five thoughtful questions, adjusting as you go based on what you learn during the interview.
Concluding the interview
As the interview ends, the interviewer will likely walk you out. It's a good idea to ask all your questions before you rise from your seat. As you leave, restate your interest in the position with enthusiasm and make sure to thank them sincerely for the meeting, offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
3. Second interview
If you've succeeded in impressing them in the first interview, you may be asked to return for a second meeting. This meeting typically allows you to meet the different department heads and sometimes tour the facility. The interviewer will ask deeper, more specific questions to follow up on certain topics from the first interview and attempt to get a better idea of how you'd acclimate to the work environment.
4. Third interview
Some employers prefer to conduct a third interview to help them make a final decision. For this session, you should have gained some in-depth knowledge about the company and how it runs day-to-day and maybe have an idea of how you'd fit into the existing workplace culture. You may have the opportunity to meet potential coworkers during this time.
5. The decision
The final step in the interview process, if the company wants to hire you, is usually a job offer contingent upon your background check and references. The offer will usually come in the form of a typed letter, but in some cases, you'll receive the offer in an email. Most employers offer a verbal offer before presenting the hard copy to make sure you're happy with the terms or allow you the chance to negotiate before signing on.
Background Knowledge
1. Familiarize yourself with the job posting you applied for. Take a look at the job posting and glance over the qualifications and the skills needed. Try to remember these during your interview so you can highlight how your job history and skills fit in with the job opening.
2. Research the company and its history. Head over to the company website and learn a little more about what they do. Spend some time looking at their past projects, their mission statement, and their history so you can discuss these factors in your interview as needed.
3. Learn more about the company culture on social media. If the company has a blog or a social media page, spend a few minutes scrolling through it to find out what their company is like a little more. They may talk about work-life balance, fun projects, or even employee accomplishments.
4. Look over your resumé and your own qualifications. Your interviewer will probably have a copy of your resumé in front of them when they start asking questions. Make sure you can talk about specific projects or job duties and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.
1. Practice answering interview questions with a friend. It might sound silly, but holding a mock interview can be super helpful in the days before your real one. Ask your friend to sit down with you and ask some questions that your interviewer might ask.
2. Have an explanation for any gaps on your resumé. If you were unemployed for any length of time, your interviewer may ask about it. Try to come up with some skills or qualities you gained during your time off to make up for the lack of job experience.
3. Play up your strengths. During the interview, you might be asked about what you do well. Try to come up with 2 to 3 examples of skills you’ve used in the workplace that you could transfer to your new job.
4. Explain why you want to work for the company. Your interviewer might ask you what made you apply for the position that you did. You can talk about the company culture, the job position, or your educational background.
5. Talk about how your skills apply to the job. This is another way you can talk about your strengths, but you can make them specific to the job description. Use real examples of things you did in previous workplaces to talk about why you’d be a good fit.
6. Think of 2 to 3 questions to ask your interviewer. At the end of the interview, your interviewer will probably ask if you have any questions for them about the job or the company. For example:
· What does a typical work day look like?
· What are the most immediate projects that need to be addressed?
· What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?
· Can you show me examples of projects I’d be working on?
The Day of the Interview
1.Dress in professional clothing. As a rule of thumb, you should dress up slightly more than you would on a typical workday. Casual offices might only require business casual attire, while more professional ones may need fully professional clothing.
2.Get there at least 5 minutes early. Showing up on time makes a good first impression, so try not to be late. Get to your interview 5 to 10 minutes beforehand so you don’t inconvenience the interviewer by showing up way too early.
3.Bring 3 to 4 copies of your resumé to share with your interviewers. Your interviewers will probably have your resumé printed out already, but it’s nice to show that you’re prepared. Bring a few copies of your resumé to share with your interviewers if they need one.
4.Shake the interviewer’s hand and introduce yourself. First impressions are key here. Grasp your interviewer’s hand firmly and tell them your name before you start.
See the examples of a resume here
Questions:
Why does an employer need a job interview?
What is the most important step of the interview process? Why?
What is it important to research the company and its history?
What would you ask your interviewer?
What is the first impression important?
References:
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